A Test and a Product Review in one

I was off to the gun range again yesterday morning and wanted to share my finding with you. Now I took the CVA Optima out again for a couple of reasons. For one I really like it and for two I haven't been able to buy a scope for the new CVA Wolf  I have. I just don't like taking scopes on and off when ever I need one.

This post is a test post but is also a product review. After my last trip to the range I realized that I wasn't equiped as I should be. I was able to speak to Brandon Butler from Battenfeld Technologies who owns Caldwell Shooting Supplies and was able to help me out.

After talking to Brandon he sent me a Calwell Rock Jr. shooting bench rest. I will say this has made shooting from a bench so much more enjoyable I almost can not describe it. It improved my accuracy so much because it allowed me a stable rest for the working end of my muzzleloader which enabled me to concentrate on shouldering the gun and thinking about my breathing.

Now I also had one other issue and that was I did not have proper hearing protection which Brandon was also kind enough to help me with.

He also sent me these, Caldwell Platinum Series G3 Hearing protection.
These sure beat a pair of ear plugs that you have to squeeze and roll up before you stick them in your ears and hope that they stay in.

The new Caldwell Platinum Series G3 earmuffs provide a new level of performance. They offer crystal clear amplification of low level sounds while compressing and blocking out harmful noise. The advanced circuitry delivers constant sound amplification without cutting out, allowing you to hear clearly even as a gun is being fired.

Ok, I went to the range with the idea of using the CVA Optima and the Powerbelt 295grain Aerotips again but, this time I was going to try a different powder. What I used the last time was IMR's White Hots Pellets which were clean burning and worked well with the Powerbelts. This time I us Jim Shockey Gold FFG loose powder.

Ok, I know this is the first time I used this stuff but I was not impressed at all. For one thing the loose powder had chunks that were so big that I could not get the powder to come out of the flask to fill the measure. Then it burned so dirty that I had to clean the barrel after every five shots.

I will say that my shots were hitting good but for all the extra cleaning that I normally have not had to do I am leaning toward that it is not worth using it again.

I do want to mention that the all new QRBP system in the CVA Optima performed as it says it will do even with the dirtiest powder I ever used. With two fingers I was able to unscrew more than once to so I could run down the barrel with cleaning patches.

The bottom target was  set up at 33 yards with a nice group in the upper left quadrant. After cleaning the gun then taking a break to move the target out to a firm 50 yard distance I shot 3 more rounds which is the target on the top right. The first of those three being dead center.

The target on the top left were doing good but as the barrel got dirtier the shots got lower. Granted the target is an 8" target and is the average target area on a whitetail deer so even though all the shots would had been lethal they were unacceptable to me.

End result I was very pleased with the way the CVA Optima handled itself. I was very pleased with the bench rest and hearing protection, thank you Brandon. I was not impressed with the powder.

I added to my Turkey Tackle

In the past I had bought a Scratch box call from Ed Blankinship at Gobblers End Turkey Calls and have also bought a regular Box call as well which I am very pleased with both. Now Ed also make Wingbone turkey calls and even though I had never heard of them before and obviously never tried one before I wanted to so I ordered one.

After spending a couple hours trying to get it to work with the instructions that Ed sent with the call I I finally got it to almost sound like a turkey. It really was pretty neat how it works.
I will say though I think I am going to need a lot of practice to get better.

I never knew the wingbones were hollow.

Hey, my name is Dante

Meet the newest part of the Whitetail Woods family, he actually has been here for a couple of weeks but I just got the chance to take some pictures.

So without further adue I would like you to meet Dante.

I'm just hanging out playing in this basket of clothes pins. Seemed like a good idea.

Another Memorial Day weekend is upon us

Another Memorial Day weekend is upon us and as I searched for a post idea I found a bit of history that maybe some of you might not know.

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.

We all spend this holiday usually in some form of family get together or something and this one really is no different, at least for me.
I plan to have a campfire going, sitting back with a few cold ones and enjoying the time at home with Heidi and hopefully both of the boys. Sunday I will probably have a cookout and hopefully Mom will come. Monday morning we have always gone down to the center of town and watched our traditional Memorial Day parade. Then  we usually go home and watch war movies which sometimes are not nice to see but they are a fact of life.

I just wanted to say I hope everyone has a safe and fun filled Memorial Day and if you can spend a moment of silence for those who have died in the service of our country I personally would be grateful.

2010 Spring Turkey Season comes to an end

This season did not turn out quite the way I had hoped. Do to work commitments, weather and plainly just not functioning very well I am sad to say I never made it out. However I did still read up a bit on a few topics concerning spring turkey hunting which I hope to apply next season.

I did have the opportunity to see a couple friends become successful in their pursuit for a spring gobbler. Her you'll see Chatter Presley with her very first turkey. Her mom Tipper is a blogging friend who if you haven't seen her blog "Blind Pig and the Acorn" that you should stop by and visit. Here is Chatter and a very happy father.

Then there is another friend of mine Ed Blankinship who not only harvested a very nice tom but he did it with a long bow, Quite a feet in itself. Ed who owns "Gobbler's End Turkey Calls" hand makes himself turkey call and his wife does the wood burning design work. Their quality and the sound of the calls itself is second to none. I can attest to that, I have a scratch box call, a box call and I am waiting for a new wingbone call to be delivered.

So with these two successes I congratulate them both and start looking toward next season.

Mother Nature was letting off some Steam

Last night in my neck of the woods we were treated with one of the most awesome lightning storms that I can remember seeing. It was 12:30 am when I was leaving the office and the wind was starting so you knew something was coming, Before I even got out of the parking lot I had to roll up the windows because the wind was so bad the sand and debri were blowing around.

This video that you are about to watch is very similiar to what I was seeing last night. Now I have been fascinated with thunder and lightning for as long as I can remember and I will say it was a very cautious ride home.



Lightning is an atmospheric discharge of electricity accompanied by thunder, which typically occurs during thunderstorms, and sometimes during volcanic eruptions or dust storms. In the atmospheric electrical discharge, a leader of a bolt of lightning can travel at speeds of 60,000 m/s (130,000 mph), and can reach temperatures approaching 30,000 °C (54,000 °F), hot enough to fuse silica sand into glass channels known as fulgurites which are normally hollow and can extend some distance into the ground. There are some 16 million lightning storms in the world every year.

Lightning can also occur within the ash clouds from volcanic eruptions, or can be caused by violent forest fires which generate sufficient dust to create a static charge.

Lightning can initially be formed by condensed water in clouds freezing into hail, then being blown by wind. The wind smashes the hail together, separating positive and negative charges. When enough negative charges build up, lightning is formed and strikes the tallest object near it.

Dehydration can be a serious matter

I was thinking last night while at work that with the summer months coming and with the forecast of 90 degree weather this week we all must keep in mind DEHYDRATION. I know I find myself sweating a lot in the buildings at work because they turn down the a/c units when 1st. shift leave so consiquently I have been drinking a lot.

The same goes for when we are out fishing or checking our trail cams, setting stands for fall or just plain scouting,

What is dehydration?

The majority of the body is made up of water, with up to 75% of the body's weight due to H2O. Most of the water is found within the cells of the body (intracellular space). The rest is found in what is referred to as the extracellular space, which consists of the blood vessels (intravascular space) and the spaces between cells (interstitial space).
Total body water = intracellular space + intravascular space + interstitial space
Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the amount being taken in. The body is very dynamic and always changing. This is especially true with water in the body. We lose water routinely when:

What causes dehydration?

Dehydration occurs because there is too much water lost, not enough water taken in, or most often a combination of the two.

• Diarrhea: Diarrhea is the most common reason a person loses excess water. A significant amount of water can be lost with each bowel movement. Worldwide, more than four million children die each year because of dehydration from diarrhea.
  
• Vomiting: Vomiting can also be a cause of fluid loss and it is difficult for a person to replace water by drinking it if they are unable to tolerate liquids.
  
• Sweat: The body can lose significant amounts of water when it tries to cool itself by sweating. Whether the body is hot because of the environment (for example, working in a warm environment), intense exercising in a hot environment, or because a fever is present due to an infection; the body uses a significant amount of water in the form of sweat to cool itself. Depending upon weather conditions, a brisk walk will generate up to 16 ounces of sweat (a pound of water).
  
• Diabetes: In people with diabetes, elevated blood sugar levels cause sugar to spill into the urine and water then follows, which can cause significant dehydration. For this reason, frequent urination and excessive thirst are among the symptoms of diabetes.
  
• Burns: Burn victims become dehydrated because water seeps into the damaged skin. Other inflammatory diseases of the skin are also associated with fluid loss.
  
• Inability to drink fluids: The inability to drink adequately is the other potential cause of dehydration. Whether it is the lack of availability of water or the lack of strength to drink adequate amounts, this, coupled with routine or extraordinary water losses can compound the degree of dehydration.

• we breathe and humidified air leaves the body;
  
• we sweat to cool the body; and
  
• we urinate or have a bowel movement to rid the body of waste products.

In a normal day, a person has to drink a significant amount of water to replace this routine loss.
If intravascular (within the blood vessels) water is lost, the body can compensate somewhat by shifting water from cells into the blood vessels, but this is a very short-term solution. Signs and symptoms of dehydration will occur quickly if the water is not replenished.
The body is able to monitor the amount of fluid it needs to function. The thirst mechanism signals the body to drink water when the body is dry. As well, hormones like anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) work with the kidney to limit the amount of water lost in the urine when the body needs to conserve water.

Even yesterday when I was changing the oil & filter in both my cars and vacuuming and washing them I was sweating so much that I started to not feel good. So whether your working inside or outside it is a good idea to keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water.

If You Care, Leave It There

This I think is so important for a few reasons and it's a good thing that the Connecticut DEP mentions this every year. Not only is it a bad thing to disturb wild baby animals it can also be dangerous to you if mom or dad to that animal are near by.

CT Department of Environmental Protection Gives Advice on Young Wild Animals in SpringIf You Care, Leave It There

 

Spring and summer are busy times, for people and animals. Many animals are setting up territories, building nests, or finding den sites to give birth and raise their young. At the same time people are spending more time outdoors, and the chances are greater that someone may come across a young bird or mammal that may appear to be orphaned or injured. In situations where young animals are found, it is important to realize that they likely do not need or want your help, and the adult is probably nearby watching and waiting to return. Many animals leave their young alone for long periods of time.

White-tailed Deer:  This is especially true with female deer (does) and their fawns. Fawns are fed by the doe about three to four times a day, with feeding time lasting about 15 minutes. A young fawn found alone is probably not abandoned. For the first several days after birth, fawns instinctively freeze and will lay motionless when approached.
"It is best not to touch the fawn, but rather leave it alone for at least 24 hours to determine whether the adult is still returning for feedings," says Rick Jacobson, Director, Wildlife Division, DEP Bureau of Natural Resources. "While waiting for the doe to return, it is important that both people and dogs stay away from the fawn. A truly orphaned fawn will show signs of distress by walking around aimlessly and calling out for several hours."

Birds:  Many people find young birds hopping around the yard in June and July. Most of these birds are old enough to leave the nest, but are still not efficient fliers. If you find a fully feathered, young bird that is unable to fly, it is best to leave it where it was found. The adults are probably still coming around to feed the young bird, which should be capable of flying within a few days. Remember to keep pets away from the bird and watch it closely for at least an hour to see if the parents are returning to feed it.
If you find a baby bird on the ground that appears to not have feathers, look for a nest. If a nest is in a nearby tree or shrub and the bird feels warm to the touch, try to place the nestling back into the nest. If the nest has fallen on the ground, make a new nest with a wicker basket and some dry grasses and hang the basket with the nestlings in it in a nearby tree or shrub. The adults will not be scared away by your smell if you touched the young bird because most birds have a poorly developed sense of smell. Be sure to watch the nest carefully for at least an hour to see if the adults return to find and feed their nestling.

Injured Animals:  If you do find an animal that is definitely injured or orphaned, remember to:

• Avoid direct contact
• Keep pets and children away from the animal
• Use heavy gloves to transfer the animal to a cardboard box or escape-proof container
• Try to keep the animal in a warm, quiet place
• Contact an authorized wildlife rehabilitator

Wild Animals as Pets:  Keeping wild animals as pets is discouraged, may be illegal, and when legal is subject to state and federal regulations. Raising wild birds and mammals for successful return to the wild requires considerable knowledge of feeding formulas, countless hours of care, and outdoor caging. Improper care results in underweight and undernourished animals or animals that are not releasable because they have become too accustomed to being around people.
"Although it may be natural to want to assist young mammals, caring for them may actually do more harm than good," added Jacobson. "It may be dangerous too, as direct contact may result in exposure to rabies or other diseases carried by wildlife. Be aware that even young animals can carry and transfer the rabies virus in saliva. Handling a potential rabies carrier, such as a baby raccoon, without proper precautions may require that the animal be euthanized for rabies testing."
In Connecticut there are approximately 230 volunteer wildlife rehabilitators with the skills, training, and state authorization to care for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife. To obtain the names of wildlife rehabilitators in your area, check the DEP Web site at www.ct.gov/dep; contact the DEP Wildlife Division, at 860-424-3011 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM); the DEP Emergency Dispatch Center, at 860-424-3333 (after hours or on weekends); or try contacting your local nature center. Individuals interested in learning more about becoming a wildlife rehabilitator should contact Laurie Fortin of the Wildlife Division, at 860-424-3963 or laurie.fortin@ct.gov.

Durasight announces the One-Piece "Dead On" Scope Mount

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DATE: May 24, 2010
Chad Schearer (406) 727-4478 FOR RELEASE: On Receipt
E-Mail: chad@bpiguns.com
David Meredith (770) 449-4687
E-Mail: davidm@bpiguns.com

DuraSight Introduces One-Piece “Dead-On” Mount

DuraSight™ Scope Mounting Systems is pleased to announce the expansion of its line to include a new and innovative one-piece integral mount design utilizing their proprietary Z2 Alloy material. This DuraSight model has been dubbed as the “Dead-On” – referring directly to its accuracy producing potential – and was designed specifically for CVA’s new line of break-action rifles. CVA is a sister brand of DuraSight, which are both owned by Blackpowder Products, Inc.
The Dead-On takes DuraSight’s integral design technology one step beyond the “Integral Scope Mounts” introduced a couple of years ago. Both are based on the concept of eliminating one of the key weaknesses of the traditional systems -- that of separate bases and rings – by integrating the base and lower ring half into one unit. The Dead-On essentially connects the two bases, combining the entire lower portion of the mount into just one unit. Both systems allow for quick and easy set-up by the installer. Best of all, as with all DuraSight products, the strength and cosmetic appeal of the Z-2 integral mounts are far superior to any aluminum system on the market, yet the price is very reasonable. The DuraSight Dead-On Integral Mount comes standard with grade 8 Torx™ screws and will fit all of the 2010 CVA break-action muzzleloaders, as well as the new CVA Scout center-fire. The Dead-On mount is included as standard equipment on some of these models.

“These new Dead-On mounts are an even better design than our standard Integral Mount for CVA’s newest break-action style guns. For other brands of muzzleloaders and bolt-actions, the original DuraSight Integral Mount is still the best choice,” stated Dudley McGarity, CEO of BPI, the owner of the DuraSight brand. “We just realized that for the CVA break-actions, we could make these mounts even stronger, more accurate, and, unbelievably, even easier to install.”

For more information about the full DuraSight scope mount line, please visit at www.DuraSight.com.

BPI is an industry leader in muzzleloading rifles and accessories, hunting rifles, hunting and shooting accessories and shooting components. BPI markets various trusted brand names including CVA®, PowerBelt™ Bullets, Quake Industries, DuraSight™ Sighting Systems and Bergara Barrels.

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Last week to get your Name in.

Just a friendly reminder the give-away ends next Monday at midnight. If you haven't entered for your chance to win this awesome CVA Muzzleloader than there still is a chance.

In addition you also will receive (if your the lucky winner) a Powerbelt Bullet Starter to go with it.

Catch & Release, What does it mean to you?

After yesterday's post it got me thinking because I am a firm believer in the fact that you should not kill what you are not going to eat. I have been trying to help Tyler understand about this. I have been hunting deer for 20 years now and proudly I can say that I have not shot what I have not eaten. I don't shoot more than my family can consume in a given year. I do the same for trout fishing as well.

I still have like 3 trout in the freezer which I will be eating soon but can not see reason while I should keep more until what I have is consumed so, so far this season I have been practicing the catch and release method and teaching Tyler about it at the same time.

So this poses a question that I thought would create some discussion. I do understand that there will be more than one opinion on this and that is what makes America the way it is and that is freedom of speech and freedom to express yourself. I just explained my views on catch & release and would like to hear your views.

What do you think about Catch & Release?

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 

Catch and release is a practice within recreational fishing intended as a technique of conservation. After capture, the fish are unhooked and returned to the water before experiencing serious exhaustion or injury. Using barbless hooks, it is often possible to release the fish without removing it from the water (a slack line is frequently sufficient).

Catch and release techniques

Professor with pinched barb

 

Effective catch and release fishing techniques avoid excessive fish fighting and handling times, avoid damage to fish skin, scale and slime layers by nets, dry hands and dry surfaces (that leave fish vulnerable to fungal skin infections), and avoid damage to throat ligaments and gills by poor handling techniques.

The use of barbless hooks is an important aspect of catch and release; barbless hooks reduce injury and handling time, increasing survival. Frequently, fish caught on barbless hooks can be released without being removed from the water, and the hook(s) effortlessly slipped out with a single flick of the pliers or leader. Barbless hooks can be purchased from several major manufacturers or can be created from a standard hook by crushing the barb(s) flat with needle-nosed pliers. Some anglers avoid barbless hooks because of the erroneous belief that too many fish will escape. Concentrating on keeping the line tight at all times while fighting fish, equipping lures that do not have them with split rings, and using recurved point or "Triple Grip" style hooks on lures, will keep catch rates with barbless hooks as high as those achieved with barbed hooks.
Most actual scientific studies regarding post release mortality have shown however that barbless hooks do not result in statistically significantly lower mortality rates than barbed hooks.Studies have also shown that bait fishing does not have a significantly higher mortality when utilized in an active style, rather than a passive manner that allows the fish to swallow the bait.


To make a hook barbless, the barb is simply crushed flat with a pair of needle-nosed pliers; a 2-second task. Medium grit sandpaper can be further used to ensure complete removal of the barb, but this is not necessary and is rarely done.

The effects of catch and release vary from species to species. A study of fish caught in shallow water on the Great Barrier Reef showed high survival rates (97%+)  for released fish if handled correctly and particularly if caught on artificial baits such as lures. Fish caught on lures are usually hooked cleanly in the mouth, minimizing injury and aiding release. Other studies have shown somewhat lower survival rates for fish gut-hooked on bait if the line is cut and the fish is released without trying to remove the hook.

Quality time spent with Tyler and a Trout stream.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go fishing again with Tyler. It was not the morning time when I really like to go but we were gonna make it work. As we headed out we stopped at the first spot where the fish were hitting the surface really good which made me think spinners. Tyler is not quite ready for spinners so I hooked him up with a bait & and a bobber while I put a rooster tail on my line.

The weather was really nice out and we had the area to ourselves. We talked and I got him started on casting, it didn't take long before he remembered from the last time we went out. I had moved just a few feet down so as not to get in each others way. I tossed my rooster tail out in this one stop when we been getting one coming to the surfaace a few times but was never able to catch a view of it. Om the reel in it happened, Wham fish on so I told Tyler to put his pole down and come over so he could reel it in.

I did not realize how big it was until Tyler reeled it all the way in. My pole only has 6lb. test on it and it was struggling for one thing.

A very respectable Brown Trout with beautiful orange spots that was approx 15" to 16"

As I was trying to take the picture of Tyler holding this very large trout I was trying to hurry because I could see he was struggling to hold onto it. After reeling in that big one I hooked up again and gave Tyler the pole and he could not wait to see what he reeled in next.

I think the expression on his face was priceless. To me it looked like "What happened, this ain't no trout".

Tyler pole finally gave in to the rigors of a 7 year old new fisherman and had fallen apart with the thought of fixing it not even in my mind. So a new pole for him is on the wanted list. Tyler being the quick thinker that he is figured he could use the old pole to pretend fishing until dad can get a replacement and this is what he came up with.

He took his broken pole and twisted together some pipe cleaners for a line and connected it to a stuffed catfish. Now what do you think of that as ingenuity.

Deer's unique antlers sought by Troy police

Everybody has excuses and this guy appears to be no different. Everyone admires antlers but really are they worth it to take them the way he did.

By GINA DAMRON
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

The 20-plus-point whitetail buck, with a distinctively crooked antler, was a frequent visitor of the Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center in Troy.

Today, Troy police say they're trying to recover the deer’s antlers to put them on display at the nature center after the buck was killed in December.
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources -- which also investigated the incident -- Andrew Martin Polasek, 42, admitted that he took the deer after he saw wounded on the side of the road, first saying it was trying to get away, but couldn’t move its hind legs and later saying the buck was barely alive.
Police said Polasek -- who Troy police said is a resident of Bloomfield Hills and who the DNR said lives in Bloomfield Township -- pleaded guilty last week to one count of possession of game animal unlawfully taken. According to police, he was ordered to pay $500 in court fines and $1,000 in restitution to the state and his hunting privileges were suspended for three years.
Investigators were led to Polasek one day in late December, when the deer’s photo turned up on hunting Web site The Michigan Sportsman. Someone recognized the deer and called the Troy Police Department, police said.
The user who posted the photo alleged the deer had been shot in the “thumb” area of Michigan, according to Troy police and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
When contacted, Polasek told DNR investigators that after he saw the deer on the side of the road, he went home, changed his clothes, walked back to the deer and dragged it about a mile back to his residence, where he stabbed it through the rib cage with a stake. He then attached his hunting license to one of its antlers and went to show it off to friends, according to the DNR.
Polasek admitted that he’d been telling friends he’d killed the deer while bow hunting.
According to the DNR, Polasek said the deer’s head and antlers were in the freezer at his workplace in Detroit -- a meat distributor. Later, according to the DNR, Polasek claimed that the head and antlers had been stolen.
Troy police are hoping to recover the antlers to put them on display at the nature center. Anyone with information is asked to call the Troy Police Department at 248-524-3477.

A School Fieldtrip to an EcoTarium

I spent a very big part of Wednesday with my son Tyler and all the other 1st. grade kids and teachers on a field trip to the EcoTarium in Worcester Massachusetts.

It was a long bus ride which took about an hour. Really an hour isn't that long normally but with a bus full of noisy kids it might as well have been two hours. We really did have a good time though.

These two eagles are a lot bigger in person than they are on film.

This River Otter was not shy when it came time to take his picture.

Then he had to go show off his swimming abilities

This Red Tailed Hawk was no little chick either, a very beautiful bird.

Finished the day with a train ride around the property. Don't let the size of the train fool ya.

I really enjoyed spending some time with Tyler, something that I haven't been able to do to much of lately. He sure seemed to have a good time.

Tips to remember for rainy day Gobblers

With rain in the forecast for the next couple of days I got to thinking. I still ask a lot of questions when it comes to turkey hunting. I am still a rookie at it.

Anyway, what can you do to better your chances if any when it comes to hunting turkey in the rain?

Information from: The Wild Turkey Zone


*Hunt the fields , open pastures and old roadbeds. Turkeys like to get out in the open when it rains.

*Switch to friction calls rather than use mouth calls. You can hear a friction call at a much greater distance, especially in the rain. Carbon and acrylic strikers for your friction calls can help when it's raining.

*Use a plastic bread bag or something similar to cover your box call or friction call. You can effectively run a box call in the rain as long as it stays dry inside a plastic bag.

*Be prepared for silence. Rainy days are not comfortable days for turkeys either and they will mostly be quiet. Think about what mood you would be in if you were wet and cold. The turkeys, like most everything else, are not in a good mood and will not be gobbling near as much.. They're cold and hungry and will be found near a food source or out in the open.

*Carry and use a good pair of binoculars. You will have to depend more on your sight than your hearing to find gobblers. The turkeys will be more visible during the rain since they cannot hear as well so they like to get out in the open in fields and pastures or roads so they can use their eyesight to spot approaching danger.

*Cover the hunting ground slowly and methodically. Turkeys will most likely be out in the open so you'll have to patiently look for your turkeys where you think they may be visible. You probably won't be able to call to find them because the birds won't gobble back as much in the rain.

*Stay comfortable by dressing for the weather. If it's raining, wear rain gear so you can stay out in the woods. If it's cold, make sure you've got proper gear to stay out and keep warm. You can't expect a turkey to show up right away. You've got to be patient and weather the storm. To do that, you've got to have the right clothes. For me, the vinyl style ponchos work great in the rain. I know there is a lot of high-tech clothing available now but none of them seem to work as well as the old fashioned vinyl or rubber ponchos or rain suits.

*Use the rain to your advantage. You can move in closer to turkeys when rain is falling because they can't see or hear you as well as they can on a sunny day.

*Go scouting. Rainy days are also good days to scout prior to the turkey hunt. If you learn where the turkeys are in the rain, you can use that knowledge to your advantage later.

Advertise with Whitetail Woods Forum

Here is a nifty idea that doesn't cost a dime, not even a penny. Why don't you advertise your business, your blog or maybe even those things you make on the side and sell for pocket change on "Whitetail Woods Forum".

In the General category you will see a board that say's Advertising and by clicking on that you can enter a log, a description or even some pictures with contact information.

I know what your saying why is this free. Well why not! I let you advertise on my forum and the only thing I ask in return is you mention my blog and forum to those who have not heard about it.

CVA APEX Receives NRA’s Prestigious “Golden Bullseye” Award

Now this is some exciting news that I want to share with you all that might be interested in muzzleloaders and/or the NRA.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DATE: May 14, 2010

Chad Schearer (406) 799-7984 FOR RELEASE: On Receipt

E-Mail: chad@bpiguns.com

David Meredith (770) 449-4687

E-Mail: davidm@bpiguns.com

CVA APEX Receives NRA’s Prestigious “Golden Bullseye” Award

NRA Publications held its annual Golden Bullseye awards breakfast on Friday, May 14 at the NRA Convention in Charlotte, NC. At this event, the CVA APEX was recognized as the 2009 winner in the Best Muzzleloader category. The CVA APEX is a break-action platform that will accept a wide variety of barrels -- including muzzleloader, center-fire, and rim-fire, and in a total of 14 different calibers. All APEX models feature the premium quality Bergara Barrels™ as standard equipment.

Scott Olmstead, Editor in Chief of American Hunter magazine, presented the award, stating that once the NRA staff began the testing of the gun and had “picked it up, and pointed it, then shot it – and finally hunted with it – we realized that CVA created something that is more than the mere sum of its parts. With its straight buttstock and trim, rubberized fore-end, it points more like a Ruger No. 1 rather than a clunky single-shot of old.” He concluded by stating that “the APEX is versatile, functional, accurate and affordable, but to fully appreciate it, you’ll have to pick one up for yourself.”

Accepting for CVA was Dudley McGarity, the CEO of Blackpowder Products, Inc., owner of the CVA brand. McGarity gave credit to his company’s product development team that designed and built the APEX. Later, he stated that “the APEX is the flagship model of our new gun line, which was fully unveiled at the 2010 SHOT Show.” Asked how he expected these new guns to perform this year, he stated that he has “every expectation that this line-up of new and innovative models will dominate the muzzleloading gun market in 2010, simply because, at every price-point, they are the best guns out there.”

CVA, a division of Blackpowder Products, Inc. and America’s #1 selling muzzleloading brand, offers a wide array of innovative hunting products – all at unmatched values. The company’s USA headquarters in Norcross, GA, handles all distribution. The guns are made at BPI’s ultra-modern, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Northern Spain, a region rich in European gun-making heritage. BPI is an industry leader in muzzleloading rifles and accessories, hunting rifles, hunting and shooting accessories and shooting components. BPI markets several popular brands, including CVA®, PowerBelt Bullets®, Bergara Barrels®, Quake Hunting Accessories and DuraSight® Scope Mounting Systems.

A Good morning of Trout Fishing

Finally, I had things to do but I grabbed my pole and tackle and said this morning is for me and went fishing. I started out at this spot I have never been to but have seen it getting hit quite often the past couple of years. There wasa very nice pool with trout popping up all over the place but I guess they weren't interested in what I had.

The second spot I went to was a spot where I had caught my limit last season in one hour. They were not home I think because I didn't even have a nibble. With out giving up and the 3rd. spot being a charm they always say I moved one more time.

This is the 3rd. spot. The Varga road bridge on the Mt. Hope River. It has always been a good spot and this day was no different.

I had gone to Walmart's the other day for something and of course I could not go by the hunting/fishing section without stopping. They were selling some Powerbait Trout Nibbles. Now being a nightcrawler and spinner kind of guy I had my doubts but I wanted to try it so I bought a bottle.

I threw out my first cast at the 3rd. spot and BAM fish on but it didn't feel like a good trout and when I got it in to the shore I was right it wasn't a trout but a big shiner which is common in this area. Obviously I toss him back.

Even though it wasn't a trout it was a good sign so i put another nibble on the line and through it out and wouldn't you know it I got another hit and this time it felt like a trout. Nice trout but I released it. As a matter of fact I released the other three I had caught. I did get their pictures though.

As far as the Powerbait Trout Nibbles goes I think it work great. The trout was sure hitting it that morning. They come in a nice small bottle and as long as you keep it out of the sun and the bottle sealed so they don't dry out you are good to go.
I really needed to get out for awhile and it felt good to do so. Next trip out is me and my son Tyler. The plan is to get him his first trout on the line and a picture for great memories.

Words can not explain our Loss

I have thought about how I would mention this and I just can't seem to find the right words. Saturday started on on a high note which I will mention later but it sadly ended on a low note.

As most of you are aware we had adopted "Bear" a senior dog with health issues. We new all about Bear's health and new that his longevity was in question. That did not matter to us and adopted him anyway so he would keep our other senior dog Sampson company and also live out what time he had left with a caring family instead of a foster home.

I am sad today and I hurt inside and out but I wanted to do this, Bear died yesterday with his head in my hand At the "East of the River Veterinary Clinic & Hospital" in Bolton Connecticut. Please take a moment of silence for a pet, a good friend and family member.

A Tribute to "Bear"

May God Be With You!

You will be missed!